Michael Clarke picks Kuldeep Yadav to be India’s X-factor in ENG vs IND Tests

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has picked Kuldeep Yadav to be India’s X-factor in the upcoming five-match Test series against England. Kuldeep is going to hold the key for the visitors and it would be interesting to note if he would get consistent chances in the playing XI.

India also has Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in their 18-man squad. While the visitors are expected to play three genuine fast bowlers, it could be a toss-up between Jadeja and Kuldeep in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Yadav has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28 and he would look to be at his best in the English conditions.

Michael Clarke said in an interview with RevSportz, “I love seeing Kuldeep out there. I do. I think he’s earned the right to be India’s first-pick spinner. I think he’s a match-winner. I think he has an X-factor. And I think he will be defining. If India win the series, I think Kuldeep Yadav could be the difference. He’s that big a player, in my opinion, in this Indian team.”

Kuldeep bagged 15 wickets in 14 matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 at an average of 24.06 and an economy rate of 7.07.

On the other hand, the 2015 World Cup-winning captain said India would have been a stronger unit if Rohit, Kohli, and Shami had been part of the squad. While Rohit and Kohli have retired from the red-ball format, Shami is not fully fit for the series.

“I just think if you had a fully fit Bumrah playing five Test match matches, with a Shami, with a Virat Kohli’s experience and class, with an experienced tactician in Rohit Sharma – I think it looked a very, very different squad.”

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.